An agency networking event that was held last October has expanded to support year-round connections between community-serving agencies.

Resource Connect is an event that aims to bring Edmontonians and service providers together in one place. Agencies involved in Resource Connect offer services and supports for people facing systemic barriers due to a variety of factors, including but not limited to disability, economic status, ethnicity, or any other kind of marginalization, and to all people facing systemic barriers or challenges. Some participating organizations include the Sexual Assault Centre of Edmonton (SACE), Safe Families Canada, and Islamic Family. Agencies involved in Resource Connect are generally not-for-profit or publicly funded.

In partnership with Edmonton Public Library, the event last October was a chance for community members and service providers to connect in a mutually beneficial way. More than 90 agencies participated, and in being surveyed afterwards they were willing to build on that to create something that would continue to support those connections all year. Out of that has come an ongoing project to keep community service providers connected to each other and working together.

Starting in January 2023, member organizations have agreed to meet quarterly to explore new ways of working together, collaborating, and finding innovative ways of closing gaps in service.

Additionally, monthly presentations filmed at Road 55 Studios, and live streamed on the Internet, give member agencies the opportunity to talk about the work they’re doing in the community.

Anyone who wants to tune in to the presentations or attend in person can do so by registering at https://bit.ly/3ZPztrT.

“We listened to the community after our event at Stanley Milner Library last fall,” says Kelly Holland, community engagement manager at REACH Edmonton. “Agencies have been clear that they appreciate the creation of these spaces, which support the work they’re doing for Edmontonians in a simple and effective way.”

The opportunity to create recorded presentations was so popular with community agencies that presentations are all booked up for the rest of the year.

“This is an opportunity for agencies to highlight the work they’re doing, provide opportunities to collaborate, and share resources for clients.”

The next evening of presentations at Road 55 and online will be held April 11 at 5:30 pm.

Resource Connect partner agencies also collaborate in communicating their upcoming events to each other and the community through the Edmonton Resource Connect Facebook page.

For more information about this project, and members’ upcoming events, click here.

APRIL 11 PRESENTATIONS
5:30 pm – ASSIST Community Service Centre
Topic: Programs and Settlement Services for Newcomers
6:00 pm – Salvation Army Centre of Hope
Topic: Bringing Hope Everyday Through Transitional Services
6:30 pm – BearPaw Media and Education
Topic: BearPaw Media and Education and an Overview of Native Counselling Services and Programs

To attend this event live, click here.